Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure that you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. If you own a set square then make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the steps are adhered to.
It is much easier to accomplish on wooden doors, but it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you may have to be more cautious.
Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a spot on the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If composite door cat flap 're not experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is placed and runs flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear any safety gear you'll need to use a power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is important that you only remove the material needed to make the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you are fitting an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It is much less expensive to have this done than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're willing to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure it's secure.
A composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.
After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.
A circular fitting is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.